INTERCOLLEGIATE PICKLEBALL:
BUILDING BRIDGES AND THE
POWER OF TEAMWORK
I
’ve been involved with every aspect of racquet sports over the
last 40 years. From a Hall of Fame player, and contributor, to
a national coach, club owner, physical educator, and Director of
Racquet Sports at North Carolina State University.
The sport of pickleball is in position to potentially expand
participation in the collegiate setting through physical
education instructional programs and university recreation’s
intramural sports and club sports divisions. If entry into the
collegiate setting is successful, this could lead to an infusion of
growth for our great sport.
We all love pickleball, that’s a given. First let me state
the obvious. The USAPA has done a great job in promoting
pickleball. The ambassadors are wonderful and are spreading
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the word with great enthusiasm and energy. Keep up the good
work.
However, over 70% of the market is age 60 and above and
only 6% are under 40 years old. What’s wrong with these
numbers? Where are the millennials (18-34) or generation Z?
They are the future.
Every college and university has gymnasium space and/or
tennis courts that can be used for pickleball play. This game can
be showcased at a minimal cost. What an untapped market.
You just have to get to the &